Doing good for others means bringing smiles to people’s faces, especially those in need. It involves showing kindness and embracing volunteerism to make the world a comfortable place for everyone.
In 2007, businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison established the initiative based on a simple belief: that everyone, whether through big or small acts, can help make the world a better place for all.
Since then, millions of people worldwide have taken part in the initiative, fostering a culture of kindness and volunteerism. In Uganda alone, over 168 organizations from cities such as Kampala, Mukono, Masaka, Gulu, Lira, Wakiso, Soroti, Mbarara, Kasese, and Fort Portal have participated.
This year, on Friday April 11, 2025, good doers came together to celebrate Good Deeds Day a global movement that unites people across continents to do good for others and the planet. Although the day is celebrated globally every year on April 6, this year Uganda marked the occasion on April 11 at Nakivubo Primary School in Kampala.
They make efforts to support those in need and call upon others to join the movement and help bring smiles to the faces of the less fortunate. Their support include providing food, clothing, healthcare, and other essential items that improve the lives of those in need. These acts not only brought relief but also inspired others to understand the importance of doing good.
During the celebrations, the Mp for Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality Emmanuel Ssempala Kigozi noted that doing good improves the lives of those in need and expressed concern about individuals who not only fail to do good but also harm the environment, leading to negative consequences for society.
He noted that the turnout for Good Deeds Day was not very high, mainly because it is not well known in the country. He therefore urged the government to consider making it a public holiday to raise awareness and encourage more people to take part in doing good for others.
Resty Mutaawe, the lead mobilizer of the Good Deeds Day in Uganda, noted that doing good brings a great sense of fulfillment especially when you see people enjoying a better life after receiving help. She therefore encouraged everyone to make doing good a part of their lives, so they can bring smiles to those who are hurting.
The parish priest for Ndejje Parish, Mengo Archdeaconry, Namirembe Diocese, Rev Julius Musoke, commended all individuals and organizations who strive to do good for others, stating that they are appreciated by God. He also appealed to teachers to continue doing good, regardless of their salaries, emphasizing the importance of nurturing children for a brighter future.
As part of celebrating generosity in Uganda, CivSource Africa collaborated with other like-minded organisations and individuals to celebrate Good Deeds Day. Robert Ninyesiga, the Philanthropy Program Lead said, participating in the Good Deeds Day aimed to remind individuals the potential of generosity, voluntarism, selflessness in impacting communities. He added that day is important for bringing together individuals to connect and share ideas of how to continue serving humanity.
Good doers within this family offer services that help improve lives, such as mentoring young girls to become responsible women, providing free sexuality education to help adolescents grow into decent adults, protecting young girls from sexual harassment, donating necessities to those in need, supporting the education of the underprivileged, and giving generously to bring smiles to people’s faces, among other acts of kindness.
The event began with a charity walk in Kampala, followed by an aerobics session aimed at promoting physical well-being. It was then followed by serving food and drinks to people on the streets.
This year’s event was a blend of entertainment and creative performances from various schools, such as qra Nursery and Primary School, Aidan College, Namilyango S.S and others, as well as exhibitions from organizations committed to the spirit of volunteerism.
These included Bricel Media Communications,CivSource Africa, Ssuubi ly’Abakyaala Nakyerongoosa Branch, Civsource, Syrado Slum Youth Rehabilitation, Youth Chaperon Uganda, Wezesha Girls Network, Raising Teenage Uganda, Uganda Red Cross, Avance University, Uganda Youth and Adolescent Health Forum, Auntie Jovita Children’s Foundation, Concern for the Child Uganda Printing and Publishing Cooperation, Pepsi, and many others.
